Governor makes four judicial appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis on July 16 appointed four judges to fill vacancies across circuit and county courts in Florida, naming jurists and attorneys to posts in Tallahassee, Largo, Bonita Springs, and Shalimar.
Jason Jones of Tallahassee to serve as judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court
Jones has served as a Leon County Court judge since 2020. Previously, he served as the general counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Jones fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Wheeler.
Aaron Hubbard of Largo to serve as judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
Hubbard has served as a County Court judge for Pinellas County since 2022. Previously, he served as an assistant state attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and his juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Hubbard fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge George Jirokta.
Javier Pacheco of Bonita Springs to serve as judge on the Lee County Court
Pacheco has been a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur since 2015. Previously, he was an associate at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University and his juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University. Pacheco fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Andrew Swett.
John Reed of Shalimar to serve as judge on the Okaloosa County Court
Reed has served as a general magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit since 2023. Previously, he was a partner at Remol Reed. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Reed fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Jonathan Schlechter.
